Concrete doesn’t have to be the dull, gray slab that you’re used to seeing everywhere from driveways to sidewalks. There are many finishing techniques that can be used to give concrete a unique style and character, allowing you to enjoy all the benefits of concrete without having to sacrifice your design vision. One of the many wonderful options is stained concrete, and the designers at Triad Associates are experts in its application.
You can create some beautiful designs with different styles of stained concrete floors, or by combining stained concrete with other finishing techniques. Our experienced designers are ready to help you explore the options to find the perfect design for your project.
What is Stained Concrete?
The simple answer to this question is that stained concrete is concrete that has had color applied to its surface with a specialized stain. However, the process of applying this color correctly is quite a complex one. Any errors in the applications can result in a bad finish or in a shorter life span for the design. There are also many different types of stain, which can influence the finished results.
Stained Concrete Versatility
One of the many advantages of stained concrete is its versatility. Concrete can be stained to take on many looks. While most colors tend to be in the range of earth tones, you can achieve great variation in the look by the type of stain you choose and where it is applied. Many stains have a semi-translucent quality, but there are options that are more saturated.
Different colored stains can also be combined to create unique results, or they can be applied on different parts of the design to create a more artistic look, such as applying one color around a patio border while the body has a different color.
Stained Concrete Durability
Concrete is a highly durable material, and stained concrete is no different. Stained concrete is just a prettier version of the hardy stuff you see on hardscaping projects everywhere. With the appropriate application, the stain will stay on for many years, and the concrete underneath will be just as solid as ever. However, even if the color does start to wear with time, it will still have a beautiful, natural look. The semi-translucent nature of the stain allows the natural variation of the underlying concrete to show through. When it wears away, it doesn’t detract from this natural look.
Types of Stained Concrete Floors
Before you decide on a plan for your next hardscaping project, be sure you understand and consider all of the types of stained concrete floors available. Each has a different look and different needs, providing different advantages for your property.
Traditional Stained Concrete Floors
Traditional stained concrete floors come in a variety of natural colors, and they are often designed to look like natural stone. The stain provides a subtle hue to the concrete, and it brings out the unique deviations in the surface. The stain can be combined with large stamps to give the concrete the look of large stones.
Acid-Stained Concrete Floors
Acid stain is one of the most popular choices for concrete finishes, and it is one of the oldest types of stain available. Though it is a stain, it doesn’t actually have any color in it. Instead, it is a mix of acid, salt, and water that causes a reaction on the surface of the concrete, resulting in a color change. The color that emerges depends on the compounds that are in mix or that are on the concrete.
Acid stains are popular because they produce stunning results and because they are so durable. The acid causes a permanent change in the surface of the concrete. Acid stains are also very effective at covering up any imperfections that may be present in the concrete.
Water-Based Stained Concrete Floors
Water-based stains are a newer development, and they work differently than acid stains. Water-based concrete stains deposit pigment onto the surface of the concrete, and bind them there. Since these stains rely on pigment for color, rather than a chemical reaction, they are available in a broader spectrum of colors and they can achieve a more consistent appearance.
One of the major advantages of water-based stains is that they can be used to create designs on the floor, such as an artistic picture or a corporate logo.
Water-based stains do not create a permanent change in the concrete, so they must be sealed and protected for longevity. You’ll need to be especially diligent with protecting concrete in high trafficked areas. However, they are resistant to UV rays.
Concrete Pigment
Concrete pigment is used a bit like a tint or an overlay. Ultra-fine pigments mixed with a solvent are added to the concrete, creating a fine layer of color that enhances the natural color of the concrete. They offer a beautiful, natural appearance.
Because concrete pigment has a short dry time, they need expert installers to apply them quickly and accurately.
Stamped Stained Concrete Floors
You can get dramatic effects by combining both concrete stain and stamping. A wide variety of stamps are available that can make your concrete look like just about any other stone, including cobblestone, flagstone, pavers, and more. You can then use whatever type of stain is best to get the color or finish you want. The designers at Triad Associates will work closely with you to create the right combination of stamps and stains to get the look you want.
Integrating Stained Concrete in Your Hardscape
Stained concrete can be beautifully integrated into any part of your hardscaping. You can transform a patio by giving it a gorgeous stain, really helping it to pop. You can add stain around the border of a driveway, on an entry walkway, a garden pathway, and so much more. You can also use stamps and stains on retaining walls, rather than using stone or veneer.
The expert designers at Triad Associates are ready to show you how stained concrete can transform and elevate your hardscape. We’ll help you evaluate all the options to determine a truly stunning design for your property.
Tips for Choosing the Right Style
Besides just thinking about the way you want your hardscape elements to look, such as what color stain to use or what style stone or stamp, there are many other things you should think about to ensure that you get a beautiful, finished result.
Consider Existing Decor and Architecture
Your hardscaping is not a stand-alone element. It exists in the same space as your home, your landscaping, and any decor you may have, such as lawn sculptures or ornaments. It is important to consider how all these elements are working together. For instance, you may not want a rustic patio next to an ultra-modern, luxury home. The design of each should complement the other.
Consider Lighting Conditions
You may have a gorgeous patio, but you may not get the impact you want if the only time you can see its beauty is on a few sunny days in the middle of summer. You need to choose design elements that work with the lighting conditions. Consider not just your local climate, but also how much shade your yard gets and what other structures may impede lighting. You may still be able to get the hardscape design you want, but you may need to install lighting to bring out its true beauty.
Consider Your Budget
If money were no object, everyone’s home and yard would look magazine worthy. Unfortunately, most of us are on a budget. Make sure you have a good idea of what you can spend before you start creating your hardscape design. Knowing your budget parameters can help you pick out materials that will give you the look you want while also staying on cost. The designers at Triad Associates can give you tailored recommendations that meet all your needs.
Consult with Professionals
Some homeowners know exactly what they want when they are ready to give their property a facelift. However, many others just know that they want things to look better, but they really don’t know what the right finished product should look like. Experienced professionals, like those at Triad Associates, can give you the tailored recommendations you need to know what would look best in your space while also giving you long-lasting performance and coming in on budget.
Hire Triad Associates’ Stained Concrete Experts Today
The experts at Triad Associates have been designing gorgeous hardscapes for Haverhill home and business owners for decades, and they are ready to help you by creating a space that you’ll love. Call us today to schedule a consultation to learn more about how stained concrete can upgrade your space, or to learn about other hardscaping options. We design and install a wide variety of hardscaping elements, including driveways, patios, pathways, pool decks, and retaining walls. We also use a wide variety of techniques, including stained concrete and other finishes. Call us today to learn more.
